Healthy Connections - September, 2009

Resource Center

Back to school heightens flu risk

With children returning to school this month, there are concerns that the H1N1/09 virus ("swine flu"), which never really went away, may have a spike in cases again.

Setu Vora,MD, a member of the Backus Medical Staff who specializes in pulmonary diseases, said the main concern this fall is for the traditional flu and the pandemic H1N1 both hitting at the same time.

"We need to improve vaccination rates for the seasonal flu, because it is only 40% nationally," Dr. Vora said. "The seasonal flu kills 36,000 Americans every year.We need to reinforce that this is a clear and present danger. The H1N1 flu is more of an unknown, but both will likely be circulating this flu season."

The virus has been circulating worldwide since April. There have been 353 deaths, and more than 5,500 people hospitalized for H1N1 in the United States so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In July, the Coast Guard Academy in New London reported 45 cases of the H1N1 flu, including incoming freshmen, upper class cadets and staff members. All recovered by early August.

Dr. Vora said a vaccine for the H1N1 flu may be available by November and will be offered to high-risk populations first, such as healthcare workers, pregnant women, those with a health condition, children and those caring for children or at-risk people.

Dr. Vora said it is important to use proper cough etiquette and hand washing, as well as staying home and away from others if you have symptoms, such as cough, fever and the chills. For those without underlying health concerns, the best course of action is to stay home, rest and eat healthy. If you are in the at-risk categories, you should consult with your primary care provider.

The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

Flu vaccine on the way

The U.S. government is pushing hard for an effective H1N1 vaccine, working closely with manufacturers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has isolated the new H1N1 virus,made a candidate vaccine virus strain that can be used to create vaccine, and is working with other agencies and industries to begin testing and production of a vaccine.Making vaccine is a long, multi-step process requiring several months to complete.

Setu Vora, MD, amember of the Backus Medical Staff who specializes in pulmonary diseases, said a vaccinemay be available by November.

For the seasonal flu, the CDC recommends that people get their flu vaccine as soon as vaccine becomes available. Vaccination before December is best since this timing ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest. CDC continues to encourage people to get vaccinated throughout the flu season, which can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

Keep informed by checking updates at www.backushospital.org/swineflu, which has links to the CDC and the state Department of Health.

Who should get flu shots?

The groups recommended to receive the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine include:

Pregnant women, because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated.
Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6months of age.
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel.
All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because there have been many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and daycare settings, which increases the likelihood of the disease spreading.
Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because there have been many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and are a frequently mobile population.
Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Tips to avoid the flu

Cover your nose andmouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after using.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand gels also are effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to getmedical care. Avoid contact with others to prevent the spread of the flu.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.
If you don't have one yet, consider developing a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of extra food, medicines, and other essential supplies.